L'Imperiale is a gascon restaurant in Victor Hugo, Toulouse.
L'Imperiale on the first floor of the Marche Victor Hugo is the family restaurant opened 1985, traditional southwest cuisine and a plancha for grilled fish.
Signature dishes: Plancha grilled fish, Plancha grilled meats, Southwest plates
Tip: Lunch only, 12:00 to 14:00; a calmer alternative to Le Magret two doors down, with the same market-driven menu.
Address: Marche Victor Hugo, Place Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse
Le Ksar on Rue Perchepinte near the Saint-Etienne cathedral is the Moroccan room widely credited with the best couscous in Toulouse, with mint tea closer.
Signature: Couscous royal, Tagine d'agneau aux pruneaux, Pastilla
Tip: The couscous royal feeds two easily; the tagine d'agneau aux pruneaux is the second-best order. Book on a Friday.
Brasserie de l'Opera at the Grand Hotel de l'Opera on Place du Capitole is the seven-days-a-week brasserie classic, with a market-driven southwest menu.
Signature: Plateau de fruits de mer, Steak frites, Cassoulet
Tip: Best for a long lunch on Sunday when smaller bistros are closed; sit at the terrace facing the Capitole.
La Pente Douce on the quiet Rue de la Concorde in Saint-Cyprien is the well-known Moroccan room with a surprise evening menu and strong takeaway couscous.
Signature: Couscous, Harira soup, Surprise evening menu
Tip: The surprise evening menu is the best route in; arrive by 19:30 for first sitting. Lunch is a la carte.
L'Oncle Pom on Rue Gabriel Peri east of Capitole is the potato-led bistro with flea-market decor, Pom Gersoise sides and serious local terroir sourcing.
Signature: Katty fries, Auvergnat gratin, Duck magret burger
Tip: The duck magret burger with Katty fries is the unbeatable order; book for Saturday, the dining room is small.
South West Bistrot Ramblas on Allees Jean Jaures is the brick-vaulted southwestern bistro just east of Capitole, with brunch on Sunday and a long bar.
Signature: Saucisse de Toulouse, Magret de canard, Cassoulet
Tip: Sunday brunch is the calmer service; lunch midweek for the plat du jour. Closed Saturday.
Les Illustres facing the Capitole on the arcaded side is the all-day bistro brasserie with daily dishes, varied specials and a privileged main-square terrace.
Signature: Daily plat du jour, Saucisse de Toulouse, Confit de canard
Tip: The plat du jour at lunch is the canonical Toulousain working-day meal; pick the terrace under the arcades for shade.
